The Brooklyn Nets are expected to renounce their qualifying offer to free agent guard D'Angelo Russell once Kyrie Irving signs with the team.
This came shortly after it was reported that the Nets are motivated to move quickly toward signing Irving to a long-term deal.
Once Kyrie Irving commits to a deal, Nets are expected to renounce All-Star guard D'Angelo Russell and allow him to become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell ESPN. Russell led Nets to the playoffs this past season. There's tremendous league-wide interest in Russell. https://t.co/cJSryXSUJV
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2019
Irving is reportedly set to sign a four-year, $141 million deal with the Nets, making Russell an expendable asset for the franchise.
With this move, D'Lo is now free to sign with any team he wants. The consensus around the league is that he is very interested in returning to the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, the Nets will also look for sign-and-trades involving Russell so they can get something in return for him. One of the teams who will be interested in this type of deal is the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Nets will be willing to work with Russell and his reps on ways to get him to a team of his choice, including sign-and-trade scenarios, league sources tell ESPN. If Russell and Nets found a sign-and-trade deal that works for both, obviously, there's no need to renounce his rights.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2019
The Nets extended a qualifying offer to Russell, which made him a restricted free agent. But now that they're potentially going to land Irving, there is no need for them to keep D'Angelo, especially since they will also be going after Kevin Durant.
Although it is obvious the Nets and Russell have mutual respect for each other, it is also clear they both understand that it will be better if they part ways. Brooklyn will get an upgrade at the point guard spot with Kyrie, while D'Lo could potentially end up with a title contender like the Lakers.
Russell averaged 21.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists last season. He also made his first All-Star appearance in 2018-19, making him a tremendous asset to any team who will be fortunate enough to sign him.
